Systems and methods for simulating accessory display on a subject

ABSTRACT

A method for simulating accessory display on a subject. An accessory is coupled with a mount with at least one contact portion configured to contact the accessory. The mount is positioned in at least one orientation with respect to an imaging device. At least one accessory image is captured of the accessory coupled with the mount in the at least one orientation using the imaging device. At least one accessory matte image is captured. At least one accessory foreground matte is generated for the at least one accessory. An accessory background matte is generated for the at least one accessory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to the field ofcomputer systems. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, oneor more embodiments of the invention enable systems and methods forsimulating accessory display on a subject.

2. Description of the Related Art

E-commerce has been steadily increasing with respect to a total marketshare of retail goods. Brick-and-mortar establishments offer consumers amore interactive experience. In a retail store, consumers can view goodsin person. For fashion, including clothing, jewelry, and otheraccessories, consumers value the experience of being able to try onproducts.

There have been efforts to provide users an interactive e-commerceexperience by allowing a user to view a simulation based on a photo ofthe user. Such efforts help bridge the gap between e-commerce portalsand brick-and-mortar establishments, resulting in improved e-commercesales. However, shortcomings in simulating the product on the consumerhave limited the ability to provide a realistic simulation of a userwearing the product. These methods do not adequately take into accountthe position of portions of the product behind and in front of parts ofthe consumer that appear in a flattened photograph. The end result is apoor simulation that does not properly replicate the position of variouscomponents of the product.

It is also useful to simulate products on a model image. For example,simulating multiple products on a model image can reduce productioncosts and time. Simulating multiple products on the same image can alsogenerate a more consistent and desirable user experience. However,imperfect simulations with artifacts limit the realistic simulation ofproducts on a model image.

To overcome the problems and limitations described above, there is aneed for systems and methods for simulating accessory display on asubject.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods for simulating accessory display on a subject areenabled that take into account proper layering between the accessory anda flattened photograph of a subject.

One or more embodiments of systems and methods for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject are directed to a method for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject.

The method includes coupling an accessory with a mount including atleast one contact portion configured to contact the accessory. Theaccessory may be selected from a piercing accessory, a shoulderaccessory, an arm accessory, a neck accessory, an ear accessory, a footaccessory, a wrist accessory and a finger accessory.

The method further includes positioning the mount in at least oneorientation with respect to an imaging device. In one or moreembodiments, the mount includes at least one transparent portion. Themount may be coupled with at least one reference marker positioned inview of the imaging device.

The method further includes capturing at least one accessory image ofthe accessory coupled with the mount in the at least one orientationusing the imaging device. In one or more embodiments, capturing the atleast one accessory image further includes using a diffuse light source.

The method further includes capturing at least one accessory matte imageof the accessory coupled with the mount in the at least one orientationusing the imaging device. In one or more embodiments, capturing the atleast one accessory matt image further includes using a backlightsource.

The method further includes generating at least one accessory foregroundmatte for the at least one accessory. In one or more embodiments,generating the at least one accessory foreground matte includesmodifying a matte generated using at least one digital image processingtechnique.

The method further includes generating an accessory background matte forthe at least one accessory. In one or more embodiments, generating theaccessory background matte includes modifying a matte generated using atleast one digital image processing technique.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes rotating themount around an axis from a first orientation to a second orientation.The first orientation and the second orientation are selected from theat least one orientation.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes coupling arelated accessory with a mount, positioning the mount in at least onesecond accessory orientation, capturing at least one related accessoryimage of the related accessory coupled with the mount in the at leastone related accessory orientation, generating at least one relatedaccessory foreground matte for the at least one related accessory, andgenerating a related accessory background matte for the at least oneaccessory image. The related accessory is associated with the accessory.The at least one related accessory orientation is determined based on arelationship between the accessory and the related accessory. In one ormore embodiments, the first orientation and the second orientation areassociated with a left ear accessory image and a right ear accessoryimage, and the at least one accessory image includes the left earaccessory image and a right ear accessory image.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory is an ear accessory. The mountmay include a dampening device configured to reduce a sway movement of ahanging part of the ear accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes coupling amatching ear accessory with a model mount including a model of an ear,positioning the model mount in the at least one orientation, capturingat least one reference image of the matching ear accessory coupled withthe model mount in the at least one orientation. The at least onereference image may be used to modify the at least one accessoryforeground matte and the at least one accessory background matte.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes obtaining asubject image of a subject including at least one ear region of thesubject, generating a subject background layer based on the subjectimage, generating an ear layer based on the subject image, and renderinga simulated image of the subject wearing the accessory by layering thesubject background layer, at least one background portion of the atleast one ear accessory image, the ear layer, and at least oneforeground portion of the at least one ear accessory image using the atleast one accessory foreground matte and the at least one accessorybackground matte.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes generating ahair layer based on the subject image. Rendering the simulated imagefurther includes layering the hair layer.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes determining anestimated head orientation, where accessory image selection from the atleast one accessory image and matte selection from the at least oneaccessory foreground matte and the at least one accessory backgroundmatte are based on the estimated head orientation.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes obtaining asubject image of a subject including at least one accessory region ofthe subject, generating a subject background layer based on the subjectimage, generating a subject foreground layer based on the subject image,and rendering a simulated image of the subject wearing the accessory bylayering the subject background layer, at least one background portionof the at least one ear accessory image, the ear layer, and at least oneforeground portion of the at least one ear accessory image using the atleast one accessory foreground matte and the at least one accessorybackground matte. The subject background layer is configured to appearbehind an accessory background. The subject foreground layer isconfigured to appear in front of an accessory background and behind anaccessory foreground.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes determining atleast one accessory scaling factor based at least one reference markerin the at least one target accessory image and at least oneinter-pupillary distance of the subject in the subject image. The methodmay further include displaying the simulated image in association withmarketing material for the accessory. The subject image may be aprofessionally photographed image of a model.

One or more embodiments of systems and methods for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject are directed to a computer-readable mediumincluding computer-readable instructions for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject.

Execution of the computer-readable instructions by one or moreprocessors causes the one or more processors to carry out stepsincluding obtaining at least one subject image of a subject including atleast one ear region of the subject. The at least one subject image mayinclude at least one professionally photographed image of a model. Theat least one subject image may include at least one rendered image of a3-D model of a subject or avatar.

The steps further include obtaining at least one ear accessory image ofthe ear accessory mounted on a mount.

The steps further include obtaining at least one accessory foregroundmatte for the at least one ear accessory image. The at least oneaccessory foreground matte is generated based on the at least one earaccessory image.

The steps further include obtaining at least one accessory backgroundmatte for the at least one ear accessory image.

The steps further include generating a subject background layer based onthe subject image.

The steps further include generating an ear layer based on the subjectimage.

The steps further include rendering a simulated image of the subjectwearing the accessory by layering the subject background layer, at leastone background portion of the at least one ear accessory image, the earlayer, and at least one foreground portion of the at least one earaccessory image using the at least one accessory foreground matte andthe at least one accessory background matte.

In one or more embodiments, the steps further include displaying the atleast one simulated image in association with marketing material for theear accessory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the inventionwill be more apparent from the following more particular descriptionthereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a general-purpose computer and peripherals that whenprogrammed as described herein may operate as a specially programmedcomputer capable of implementing one or more methods, apparatus and/orsystems in accordance with systems and methods for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system for capturing accessory images inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate exemplary accessory image capture orientations inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate exemplary captured accessory images in accordancewith systems and methods for simulating accessory display on a subject.

FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate exemplary accessory image processing inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary subject image processing in accordancewith systems and methods for simulating accessory display on a subject.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate exemplary intermediate rendering products inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for capturing accessoryimages in accordance with systems and methods for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for capturing relatedaccessory images in accordance with systems and methods for simulatingaccessory display on a subject.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for simulatingaccessory display on a subject in accordance with systems and methodsfor simulating accessory display on a subject.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for simulatingaccessory display on a subject in accordance with systems and methodsfor simulating accessory display on a subject.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for capturingaccessory images in accordance with systems and methods for simulatingaccessory display on a subject.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods for simulating accessory display on the subject willnow be described. In the following exemplary description numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a more thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent,however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention maybe practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific detailsdescribed herein. Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forthin an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systemsand methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be limiting. One ofordinary kill in the art would recognize that the steps or processes maybe performed in a different order, and that one or more steps orprocesses may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flowswithout departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Inother instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note thatalthough examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, andthe full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and boundsof the invention.

FIG. 1 diagrams a general-purpose computer and peripherals, whenprogrammed as described herein, may operate as a specially programmedcomputer capable of implementing one or more methods, apparatus and/orsystems in accordance with systems and methods for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject. Processor 107 may be coupled to bi-directionalcommunication infrastructure 102 such as communication infrastructuresystem bus 102. Communication infrastructure 102 may generally be asystem bus that provides an interface to the other components in thegeneral-purpose computer system such as processor 107, main memory 106,display interface 108, secondary memory 112 and/or communicationinterface 124.

Main memory 106 may provide a computer readable medium for accessing andexecuted stored data and applications. Display interface 108 maycommunicate with display unit 110 that may be utilized to displayoutputs to the user of the specially-programmed computer system. Displayunit 110 may comprise one or more monitors that may visually depictaspects of the computer program to the user. Main memory 106 and displayinterface 108 may be coupled to communication infrastructure 102, whichmay serve as the interface point to secondary memory 112 andcommunication interface 124. Secondary memory 112 may provide additionalmemory resources beyond main memory 106, and may generally function as astorage location for computer programs to be executed by processor 107.Either fixed or removable computer-readable media may serve as Secondarymemory 112. Secondary memory 112 may comprise, for example, hard disk114 and removable storage drive 116 that may have an associatedremovable storage unit 118. There may be multiple sources of secondarymemory 112 and systems implementing the solutions described in thisdisclosure may be configured as needed to support the data storagerequirements of the user and the methods described herein. Secondarymemory 112 may also comprise interface 120 that serves as an interfacepoint to additional storage such as removable storage unit 122. Numeroustypes of data storage devices may serve as repositories for datautilized by the specially programmed computer system. For example,magnetic, optical or magnetic-optical storage systems, or any otheravailable mass storage technology that provides a repository for digitalinformation may be used.

Communication interface 124 may be coupled to communicationinfrastructure 102 and may serve as a conduit for data destined for orreceived from communication path 126. A network interface card (NIC) isan example of the type of device that once coupled to communicationinfrastructure 102 may provide a mechanism for transporting data tocommunication path 126. Computer networks such Local Area Networks(LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Wireless networks, optical networks,distributed networks, the Internet or any combination thereof are someexamples of the type of communication paths that may be utilized by thespecially program computer system. Communication path 126 may compriseany type of telecommunication network or interconnection fabric that cantransport data to and from communication interface 124.

To facilitate user interaction with the specially programmed computersystem, one or more human interface devices (HID) 130 may be provided.Some examples of HIDs that enable users to input commands or data to thespecially programmed computer may comprise a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen devices, microphones or other audio interface devices, motionsensors or the like, as well as any other device able to accept any kindof human input and in turn communicate that input to processor 107 totrigger one or more responses from the specially programmed computer arewithin the scope of the system disclosed herein.

While FIG. 1 depicts a physical device, the scope of the system may alsoencompass a virtual device, virtual machine or simulator embodied in oneor more computer programs executing on a computer or computer system andacting or providing a computer system environment compatible with themethods and processes of this disclosure. In one or more embodiments,the system may also encompass a cloud computing system or any othersystem where shared resources, such as hardware, applications, data, orany other resource are made available on demand over the Internet or anyother network. In one or more embodiments, the system may also encompassparallel systems, multi-processor systems, multi-core processors, and/orany combination thereof. Where a virtual machine, process, device orotherwise performs substantially similarly to that of a physicalcomputer system, such a virtual platform will also fall within the scopeof disclosure provided herein, notwithstanding the description herein ofa physical system such as that in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system for capturing accessory images inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject.

Image capture system 200 is configured to acquire images of at least oneaccessory 210. Accessory 210 may be any accessory that may be worn by asubject or suitable for simulating on a subject. For example, theaccessory may be a piercing accessory, a shoulder accessory, an armaccessory, a neck accessory, a foot accessory, a wrist accessory, afinger accessory, or any other accessory suitable for wearing by asubject. In one or more embodiments, accessory 210 is an ear accessory.Accessory 210 may have one or more matching accessories, such asadditional accessories in a set. A matching accessory may be identical,have mirror-image symmetry, have any other type of symmetry, or benonsymmetrical.

Image capture system 200 includes mount 204. Mount 204 has at least onecontact portion configured to contact accessory 210. Mount 204 may havetransparent portion 206, where transparent portion 206 is configured tocontact accessory 210. In one or more embodiments, accessory 210 is apiercing accessory with a piercing portion configured to pass throughone or more portions of the subject, the subject's clothing, and/or anyother material attached to the subject. When accessory 210 is a piercingaccessory, the contact portion of mount 204 is configured to receive thepiercing portion of accessory 210, allowing the piercing portion of theaccessory to pass through the contact portion of mount 204.

In one or more embodiments, mount 204 further includes dampening device208. Dampening device 208 is configured to dampen free-hanging motionsof accessory 210, including free-hanging motions caused by movement ofmount 204, placing accessory 210 on mount 204, or any other free-hangingmotion. In one or more embodiments, dampening device 208 has at leastone transparent portion. Dampening device 208 may be configured tosupport any free-hanging portions of accessory 210 that may swing, sway,or otherwise move.

In one or more embodiments, mount 204 is configured to move betweenmultiple orientations. The move may be performed automatically ormanually. Mount 204 may be coupled to rotating stage 230 configured torotate mount 204 between multiple orientations. In one or moreembodiments, rotating stage 230 is a computer-controlled platformconfigured to rotate between a series of four orientations correspondingto left and right front and side views, such as the orientations shownin FIGS. 3A-3D. Alternatively, multiple mounts and rotating elements maybe used to simultaneously capture multiple views of one or moreaccessories 210.

Mount 204 may include at least one reference marker 216-224 of a knowncolor and/or position. Reference markers 216-224 may relate to position,orientation, color, or any other objective characteristic of accessory402. Reference markers 216-224 may be placed on or near mount 204 suchthat reference markers 216-224 are captured by an imaging deviceconfigured to capture images of accessory 210. For example, referencemarkers 216-224 may be located in a known position relative to mount 204to support acquisition of geometric and photometric characteristics ofaccessory 210. Reference markers 216-224 may be used to determine adistance, orientation, color adjustment between any accessory image andany subject image. For example, an accessory scaling factor may becalculated based on at least one reference marker.

In one or more embodiments, reference markers 216-224 includes fourreference markers 218-224 mounted to at least one transparent portion206 of mount 204. In one or more embodiments, mount 204 is positioned ina known orientation with respect to the imaging device, enabling themount's position relative to the imaging device to be represented usinga homography (projective transformation) or plane-to-plane mapping in3D. Reference markers 218-224 are easily detected and recognized usingone or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics.In one or more embodiments, a user may review and/or correct a locationof a reference marker in an accessory image.

Reference markers 216-224 may include a color chart 216, such as a miniMacbeth color color chart (X-rite ColorChecker) whose appearance in thecolor picture gives photometric responses of known color samples and maybe used for color correction while virtually simulating an accessory indifferent subject images.

Image capture system 200 may further include model mount 226. Modelmount 226 is configured to resemble one or more body parts associatedwith the accessory to simulate a subject wearing the accessory. In oneor more embodiments, model mount 226 is configured to receive a piercingportion of a model accessory 228 allowing the piercing portion to passthrough a contact portion of model mount 226. Model accessory 228 may bean identical matching accessory of accessory 210. Images of model mount226 and model accessory 228 may be used as a reference image inaccordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methods forsimulating accessory display on a subject. For example, the referenceimage may be used to verify scale accuracy, as a visual aid whenperforming one or more masking procedures disclosed herein, and for anyother reference purpose.

In one or more embodiments, model mount 226 is coupled with mount 204,such that any change in orientation of mount 204 results in the samechange in orientation for model mount 226. In one or more embodiments, amirror image model mount of model mount 226 is used to when images of amatching accessory are captured.

Image capture system 200 may further include at least one diffuse lightsource 212. Diffuse light source 212 may be used to capture an accessoryimage, such as the accessory image shown in detail in FIG. 4A. Diffuselight source 212 is configured to provide even lighting to minimizereflection and other undesired artifacts. In one or more embodiments,diffuse light source 212 includes one or more standard lighting sources,including soft boxes, spotlights and flash devices, and one or morediffusers configured to diffuse light generated by the standard lightingsources. In one or more embodiments, diffuse light source 212 includes adiffuser partially surrounding mount 204.

Image capture system 200 may further include at least one backlightsource 214. Backlight source 214 may be used to capture an accessorymatte image, such as the accessory matte image shown in detail in FIG.4B. In one or more embodiments, backlight source 214 is the only sourceof light when an accessory matte image is captured. Backlight source 214may include any source of light located behind mount 204 with respect toan imaging device, including any backlight source use in the field ofphotography. In one or more embodiments, the backlight source is highlycontrollable. For example, a monitor positioned behind mount 204 may beused to display backlighting with adjustable intensities and/orpatterns.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate exemplary accessory image capture orientations inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject. FIG. 3A shows accessory image 300. In accessory image 300,accessory 302 is positioned in an orientation corresponding to a leftear accessory of a matching set on a turned face. FIG. 3B showsaccessory image 320. In accessory image 320, accessory 322 is positionedin an orientation corresponding to a left ear accessory of a matchingset on a frontal face. FIG. 3C shows accessory image 340. In accessoryimage 340, accessory 342 is positioned in an orientation correspondingto a right ear accessory of a matching set on a turned face. FIG. 3-Dshows accessory image 360. In accessory image 360, accessory 362 ispositioned in an orientation corresponding to a right ear accessory of amatching set on a frontal face. To acquire accessory images 300 and 320,a left accessory of a matching set may be used. A right accessory of thematching set may be used to acquire images 340 and 360.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate exemplary captured accessory images in accordancewith systems and methods for simulating accessory display on a subject.FIG. 4A shows accessory image 400. FIG. 4B shows accessory matte image450. Accessory image 400 and accessory matte image 450 are acquiredusing at least one imaging device. In one or more embodiments, the sameimaging device is used to capture accessory image 400 and accessorymatte image 450. The imaging device may be configured to captureaccessory image 400 and accessory matte image 450 in rapid succession.In one example, a Nikon D300 camera is used in continuous burst mode,which enables the capture of 8 pictures per second.

Accessory image 400 and accessory matte image 450 may be taken underdifferent lighting conditions. Accessory image 400 may be taken usingstandard photographic lights, including soft boxes, spotlights, andstrobes. The lighting may be positioned and aimed with modeling lightsto stylize the appearance of accessory 402 in the imaging device's view.In one or more embodiments, accessory image 400 is captured with allstudio lights on and the backlight off while the accessory matte image450 is taken with all lights off except backlighting. The accessoryimage 400 and accessory matte image 450 should be either the same sizeand aligned, or a transformation must be applied to register the twoimages.

In one or more embodiments, the backlighting, provided by at least onebacklight source, is the only source of light when accessory matte image450 is captured. A backlight source may include any source of lightlocated behind the accessory with respect to an imaging device,including any backlight source use in the field of photography. In oneor more embodiments, the backlight source is highly controllable. Forexample, a monitor positioned behind the accessory may be used todisplay backlighting with adjustable intensities and/or patterns.

Accessory matte image 450 is used to generate an accessory foregroundmatte and an accessory background matte, both shown in FIGS. 5A-5G. Inone or more embodiments, backlighting with adjustable intensities and/orpatterns is used to iteratively refine an accessory foreground matteand/or an accessory background matte. Iterative matte refining is usedto eliminate false transparency artifacts caused by reflections of thebacklight off the accessory and into the imaging device. This isparticularly useful when the accessory has a reflective surface. Falsetransparency artifacts are more likely to occur when the backlightcovers a wide area behind the accessory. Light rays which reflect offcurved edges of an accessory are more likely to be captured by imagingdevice as the light source moves away from the accessory's edge in theimage plane. An initial alpha matte with possible false transparencyartifacts may be automatically improved by thresholding the alpha matteto make it binary, hole-filling and dilating with morphologicaloperators, displaying a reduced lighting pattern on the backlight inplace of the initial backlight pattern, and reshooting accessory matteimage 450. Full accessory image 400 may also be recaptured, such as useby using the rapid capture techniques described herein.

In one or more embodiments where iterative matte calculation is used,the accessory is backlit with a refined alpha matte image is to alignthe pattern directly behind the accessory from the perspective of theimaging device. This may be achieved by computing a camera-to-displayhomography using four point correspondences between the monitor and theimaging device. Following homography estimation, the post-processedalpha matte is warped under the camera-to-display homography anddisplayed on the monitor.

In one or more embodiments, a binary black/white pattern on a monitor isused to provide backlighting directly behind accessory 452. To avoidreflections off the occluding contours of accessory 452, a pattern thatis tightly bound to accessory 452 minimizes the potential artifacts fromsuch reflection. Any other backlighting pattern may be used, such as auniform lighting, radial lighting, and a pattern based on the shape ofthe mount, a pattern based on the actual size and/or shape of accessory452, and any other pattern or combination thereof. The backlight patternmay be modified for different accessories, different orientations of thesame accessory, subsequent iterations to refine a matte, and for anyother purpose. In one or more embodiments, a computing devicecommunicatively coupled with the imaging device and at least onebacklight source may be used to control backlight intensity, pattern,and timing.

Where the only light source is the monitor, the intensity of light inaccessory matte image 450 is approximately proportional to visibility ofaccessory 452, providing information on the opacity of accessory 452.The light intensity in original matte image 452 is also affected by thebacklight source intensity and pattern as well as refraction away fromthe camera's viewpoint caused by any surface in an image capture system,such as the image capture system shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate exemplary accessory image processing inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject. The masking procedures shown in FIGS. 5A-5G may be performedmanually or automatically detected using one or more image processingtechniques, algorithms and/or heuristics. In one or more embodiments,manual labor for accessory image acquisition is limited to accessoryplacement on the mount, verification of at least one reference marker,and manual masking identifying a foreground and the background portionin four accessory images in the orientations shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. Apair of matching, mirror-image, or non-matching ear accessoriestypically takes less than 4 minutes to process. In one or moreembodiments, at least one product shown in FIGS. 5A-5G is a binary mask.

FIG. 5A shows a portion of exemplary accessory image 500. Accessoryimage 500 includes at least a portion of accessory image 400 captured byan imaging device. In one or more embodiments, the accessory is apiercing accessory with a piercing portion configured to pass throughone or more portions of the subject. Accessory piercing point 518 is thepoint on the piercing accessory that will go through a piercing locationon the subject.

FIG. 5B shows exemplary coarse accessory mask 510. Coarse accessory mask510 identifies an area that includes all of foreground portion 512 ofthe accessory that typically appears in front of a subject foregroundlayer. The identified area also includes background portion 514 of theaccessory that typically appears behind a subject foreground layer,excluding rear contact portion 516, located directly behind the contactportion of the mount holding the accessory. In one or more embodiments,coarse foreground mask 510 is manually obtained. For example, coarseforeground mask 510 may be input as a series of control points. In oneor more embodiments, coarse foreground mask 510 is a selected from acollection of predefined coarse foreground masks or it is automaticallyconstructed from the accessory image and the accessory matte image.

FIG. 5C shows an exemplary coarse background mask 520. Coarse backgroundmask 520 identifies an area that includes most of background portion 514of the accessory. The identified area excludes all of a foregroundportion of an accessory typically appearing in front of a subjectforeground layer. Coarse background mask 520 may include at least a partof rear contact portion 516. In one or more embodiments, coarseforeground mask 520 is manually obtained. For example, coarse foregroundmask 520 may be input as a series of control points. In one or moreembodiments, coarse background mask 510 is a selected from a collectionof predefined coarse background masks or it is automatically constructedfrom the accessory image and the accessory matte image.

FIG. 5D shows an exemplary accessory matte image 530. Accessory matteimage 530 includes at least a portion of accessory matte image 450captured by an imaging device. Accessory matte image 530 is used togenerate accessory matte 540. Accessory matte image 530 may beiteratively refined, as discussed with respect to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5E shows an exemplary accessory matte 540. To generate accessorymatte 540, one or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/orheuristics are performed on accessory matte image 530. For example, oneor more of homography estimation, thresholding, color inversion and anyother image processing techniques suitable for generating a matte fromaccessory matte image 530 captured by the imaging device may be used. Inone or more embodiments, a histogram of intensities is computed on theoutput of a pixel-wise multiplication of accessory matte image 530. Oneor more embodiments, a Gaussian smoothing operation is applied to thehistogram, and the mean bin value is applied as a threshold to segmentthe histogram into bright and dark modes. A transfer function may beconstructed over the domain starting at step down edge at bin i to stepup edge at bin j. In one or more embodiments, the transfer function is anonlinear transfer function mapping y=max(0, min(1, ((x−i)/(j−i))²)).Normalized accessory foreground matte 540 is given by the masked matteunder the transfer function y=max(0, min(1, ((x−i)/(j−i))²)).

FIG. 5F shows an exemplary accessory background matte 550. Accessorybackground matte 550 identifies a background portion of the accessorythat typically appears behind a subject foreground layer. In one or moreembodiments, accessory background matte 550 is generated by multiplyingaccessory matte 540 and coarse background mask 520.

FIG. 5G shows an exemplary accessory foreground matte 560. Accessoryforeground matte 560 identifies a foreground portion of the accessorythat typically appears in front of a subject foreground layer. In one ormore embodiments, accessory foreground matte 560 is generated either bymultiplying accessory matte 540 and coarse foreground mask 510 andsubtracting accessory background matte 550 or by subtracting coarsebackground mask 520 from coarse foreground mask 510 and multiplying thedifference with accessory matte 540.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary subject image processing in accordancewith systems and methods for simulating accessory display on a subject.

FIG. 6A shows exemplary subject image 600. Subject image 600 includes atleast one accessory zone 602-604. At least one simulated accessory willbe rendered in accessory zones 602-604. The accessory may include anyaccessory that may be worn by a subject or suitable for simulating on asubject. For example, the accessory may be a piercing accessory, ashoulder accessory, an ear accessory, an arm accessory, a neckaccessory, a foot accessory, a wrist accessory, a finger accessory, orany other accessory suitable for wearing by a subject. In one or moreembodiments, accessory zone 602-604 includes at least one ear of thesubject. The accessory may have one or more matching accessories, suchas additional accessories in a set. A matching accessory may beidentical, have mirror-image symmetry, have any other type of symmetry,or be nonsymmetrical.

Subject image 600 may include the subject's pupils 606-608. Aninter-pupillary distance (IPD) 610 may be calculated by the distancebetween pupils 606-608. Inter-pupillary distance 610 may be calculatedby using computational methods to detect pupils 606-608 in subject image600. The inter-pupillary distance is roughly constant among women (meanIPD is 62.31 mm with a standard deviation of 3.599 mm) and thus servesas a reference measurement for scaling for frontal images of arbitrarysubjects. Inter-pupillary distance 610 may be used as a scale estimateto determine the proper scaling of an accessory simulated on subjectimage 600. Therefore, at least one accessory scaling factor may be basedon inter-pupillary distance 610. In one or more embodiments, a headorientation may be estimated based on inter-pupillary distance 610. Theestimation may be performed by comparing inter-pupillary distance 610with one or more other features of the subject photograph using one ormore image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics. Theestimated head orientation may be selected from a frontal orientationand a turned orientation. In one or more embodiments, accessory imagesare selected based on the estimated head orientation. The accessoryimages may be selected from frontal orientation images and turnedorientation images.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory to be simulated is a piercingaccessory. Piercing locations 618-620 may be determined in subject image600. A user uploading subject image 600 may be asked to input, modify orconfirm piercing locations 618-620. In one or more embodiments, subjectimage 600 is a photograph of a model used to display a plurality ofaccessories simulated on the model, and piercing locations 618-620 aremanually input, modified and/or confirmed.

A plurality of control points 612-616 may be obtained with respect tosubject image 600. Control points 612-616 identify a region of thesubject that includes a subject foreground area that typically appearsin front of an accessory background and behind an accessory foreground.In one or more embodiments, control points 612-616 identify a regionthat includes at least one ear of the subject. Control points 612-616may be obtained manually or automatically detected using one or moreimage processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics.

A user uploading subject image 600 may be asked to input, modify orconfirm control points 612-616. In one or more embodiments, subjectimage 600 is a photograph of a model used to display a plurality ofaccessories simulated on the model, and control points 612-616 aremanually input, modified and/or confirmed.

FIG. 6B shows exemplary initial subject mask 650. Initial subject mask650 may be determined based on control points 612-616. In one or moreembodiments, a spline fit through control points 612-616 defines theboundary of initial subject mask 650. Initial subject mask 650 may befurther processed to generate subject foreground mask 670.

In one or more embodiments, subject foreground mask 670 includes atleast one of a subject's ears and control points 612-616 define aportion of a subject's face that includes piercing locations 618-620.Initial subject mask 650 may be segmented to determine a subjectforeground layer that includes at least one ear. In one or moreembodiments, initial subject mask 650 is vertically divided at ear-facejunction points 662-664. One or more embodiments where a faceorientation is not upright, initial subject mask 650 may be divided withrespect to a different angle. Ear-face junction points 662-664 may beobtained manually or automatically detected using one or more imageprocessing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics. FIG. 6C shows aportion of exemplary subject foreground mask 670 after initial subjectmask segmentation.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate exemplary intermediate rendering products inaccordance with systems and methods for simulating accessory display ona subject.

FIG. 7A shows a portion of exemplary subject image 700 containing aregion on which an accessory will be simulated. FIG. 7B shows exemplaryaccessory image 710 of the accessory to be simulated on the subject. Inone or more embodiments, the background subject layer is rendered belowthe accessory background layer, which is rendered below the subjectforeground layer, which is rendered below the accessory foregroundlayer.

FIG. 7C shows exemplary layered alpha matte output 720. Layered alphamatte output 720 is a final matte that accounts for the layering of eachlayer identified by the subject background layer, the accessorybackground matte, the subject foreground layer, and the accessoryforeground matte. Layered alpha matte output 720 includes a foregroundregion 722 and a background region 724. In one or more embodiments,layered alpha matte output 720 is calculated by adding a foregroundregion 722 and a background region 724. The foreground region 722 may bedetermined by an accessory foreground matte (e.g. accessory foregroundmatte 560). The background region 724 may be determined by multiplyingor otherwise processing an accessory background matte (e.g. accessorybackground matte 550) with a subject foreground matte (e.g. subjectforeground matte 680), then subtracting the result from the accessorybackground matte.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognized that, the subjectimage, the accessory image, the subject background layer, the subjectforeground layer, the accessory background matte and the accessoryforeground matte may be used to achieve the desired layering bymultiplying, applying, or otherwise manipulating the mattes and imagesin a different order without departing from the spirit or the scope ofthe invention.

FIG. 7D shows exemplary rendered image 730 simulating the display of theaccessory on the subject. Layered alpha matte output 720 is used todetermine portions of accessory image 710 to render on top of subjectimage 700 in order to render a simulated image where the backgroundsubject layer is below the accessory background layer, which is belowthe subject foreground layer, which is below the accessory foregroundlayer. Rendering may be accomplished by compositing using a techniquesuch as alpha blending or other compositing techniques.

FIG. 7E shows exemplary enhanced rendered image 740 with additionallayers. Additional layers may be used to enhance the accuracy of thesimulation. For example, enhanced rendered image 740 includes a shadowlayer. In one or more embodiments, a shadow layer is generated based onan accessory matte image and/or an accessory image.

Enhanced rendered image 740 may also include additional layers renderedin front of or behind existing layers. In one or more embodiments, ahair layer is rendered in front of the accessory foreground layer tosimulate the subject's hair falling in front of the accessoryforeground. A hair layer matte may be generated using any methodsuitable for generating a hair matte, such as the methods described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/889,533, entitled SYSTEM AND METHODFOR CHANGING HAIR COLOR IN DIGITAL IMAGES, filed on Sep. 24, 2010, whichis herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory image, accessory matte imageand all mattes and images derived from these images (such as images 500,510, 520, 530, 540, 550, and 560) may be scaled using the scaling factorcomputed from inter-pupilary distance 610 and translated to align one ofpiercing locations 618-620 with the accessory piercing point 518. Theaccessory images and mattes may be rotated about the accessory piercingpoint to place the simulated accessory in the desired location,orientation and scale relative to the subject.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for capturing accessoryimages in accordance with systems and methods for simulating accessorydisplay on a subject. Process 800 begins at step 802.

Processing continues to step 804, where an accessory is coupled with amount. The mount includes at least one contact portion configured tocontact the accessory.

Processing continues to step 806, where the mount is positioned in atleast one orientation with respect to an imaging device. In one or moreembodiments, the mount is rotatable between two or more orientations.Alternatively, multiple accessories in multiple orientations may becaptured simultaneously. Alternatively, multiple fixed mounts atdifferent orientations may be used.

Processing continues to step 808, where at least one accessory image ofthe accessory coupled with the mount in the at least one orientation iscaptured using the imaging device. The accessory image may be capturedusing at least one diffuse light source to illuminate the accessory.

Processing continues to step 810, where at least one accessory matteimage of the accessory coupled with the mount in the at least oneorientation is captured using the imaging device. The accessory matteimage may be captured using at least one backlight source. In one ormore embodiments, the backlight source is the only source of light usedto capture the accessory matte image.

Processing continues to optional step 810, where a matching accessory iscoupled with a model mount. The matching accessory is identical to theaccessory. In one or more embodiments, the model mount is configured toresemble one or more body parts associated with the accessory tosimulate a subject wearing the accessory.

Processing continues to optional step 812, where at least one referenceimage of the matching accessory coupled with the model mount iscaptured. In one or more embodiments, the imaging device is configuredto capture the accessory image and the reference image simultaneously ina single larger image.

Processing continues to step 814, where at least one accessoryforeground matte is generated for the at least one accessory. The atleast one accessory foreground matte may be generated based on theaccessory matte image using one or more manual and/or automated steps,including one or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/orheuristics. The accessory image may be evaluated manually and/or byusing one or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/orheuristics in the generation of the at least one accessory foregroundmatte.

Processing continues to step 816, where at least one accessorybackground matte is generated for the at least one accessory. The atleast one accessory background matte may be generated based on theaccessory matte image using one or more manual and/or automated steps,including one or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/orheuristics. The accessory image may be evaluated manually and/or byusing one or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/orheuristics in the generation of the at least one accessory backgroundmatte.

Processing continues to step 818, where process 800 terminates.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for capturing relatedaccessory images in accordance with systems and methods for simulatingaccessory display on a subject. Process 900 begins at step 902.

Processing continues to step 904, where a related accessory is coupledwith the mount. The related accessory is associated with a firstaccessory. For example, the related accessory may be a coordinatedaccessory, a matching accessory from a set of accessories including thefirst accessory, or any other accessory with a relationship to the firstaccessory. The accessory may be identical, mirror image symmetric, ornon-identical with the first accessory. In one or more embodiments, therelated accessory is a matching accessory designed to be worn on thesubject in a bilaterally symmetric manner with respect to the firstaccessory.

Processing continues to step 906, where the mount is positioned in atleast one second accessory orientation. In one or more embodiments, theat least one second accessory orientation include reflections of the atleast one first accessory orientation across a line of bilateralsymmetry.

Processing continues to step 908, where at least one related accessoryimage of the related accessory coupled with the mount in the at leastone related accessory orientation is captured. In one or moreembodiments, at least one related accessory matte image is alsocaptured.

Processing continues to step 910, where at least one related accessoryforeground matte is generated. The at least one related accessoryforeground matte may be generated based on the related accessory matteimage using one or more manual and/or automated steps, including one ormore image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics. Therelated accessory image may be evaluated manually and/or by using one ormore image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics in thegeneration of the at least one related accessory foreground matte.

Processing continues to step 912, where at least one related accessorybackground matte is generated. The at least one related accessorybackground matte may be generated based on the related accessory matteimage using one or more manual and/or automated steps, including one ormore image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics. Therelated accessory image may be evaluated manually and/or by using one ormore image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics in thegeneration of the at least one related accessory background matte.

Processing continues to step 914, where process 900 terminates.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for simulatingaccessory display on a subject in accordance with systems and methodsfor simulating accessory display on a subject. Process 1000 begins atstep 1002.

Processing continues to step 1004, where a subject image of a subject isobtained. The subject image includes at least one accessory region ofthe subject corresponding to at least one accessory to be simulated onthe subject.

Processing continues to step 1006, where a subject background layer isgenerated. The subject foreground layer may be generated based on thesubject image using one or more manual and/or automated steps, includingone or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics.

Processing continues to step 1008, where a subject foreground layer isgenerated. The subject background layer may be generated based on thesubject image using one or more manual and/or automated steps, includingone or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics.

Processing continues to optional step 1010, where at least one accessoryscaling factor is determined. The accessory scaling factor reflects therelative size of the accessory to the size of the subject in the digitalimage. In one or more embodiments, the accessory image includes at leastone reference marker from which the accessory scaling factor may becalculated. In one or more embodiments, the accessory scaling factor isdetermined based on an inter-pupillary distance of the subject image.The scaling factor may also be determined using information from outsidethe image. For example, where the digital image is obtained from astation set up for the purpose, a sensor may be used for determining thescaling rather than using the data present in the digital image. Wheremore than one digital image of the subject is processed, the accessoryscaling factor may change between digital images. In one or moreembodiments, an estimated head position is taken into account whendetermining the accessory scaling factor.

Processing continues to step 1012, where a simulated image of thesubject wearing the accessory is rendered. The simulated image isrendered by registering the subject background layer, at least onebackground portion of the accessory image, the subject foreground layer,and at least one foreground portion of the accessory image. The at leastone accessory background matte is used to determine the at least onebackground portion of the accessory image. The at least one accessoryforeground matte is used to determine the at least one foregroundportion of the accessory image.

In one or more embodiments, the accessory is a piercing accessory andthe layers are scaled and translated to align at a piercing locationsuch as piercing locations 618-620 with an accessory piercing point. Theaccessory images and mattes may be rotated about the accessory piercingpoint to place the simulated accessory in the desired location,orientation and scale relative to the subject.

Processing continues to optional step 1014, where the simulated image ofthe subject wearing the accessory is displayed in association withmarketing material for the accessory.

Processing continues to step 1016, where process 1000 terminates.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for simulatingaccessory display on a subject in accordance with systems and methodsfor simulating accessory display on a subject. Process 1100 begins atstep 1102.

Processing continues to step 1104, where a subject image of a subject isobtained. The subject image includes at least one ear of the subject.

Processing continues to step 1106, where a subject background layer isgenerated. The subject background layer may be generated based on thesubject image using one or more manual and/or automated steps, includingone or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics.

Processing continues to step 1108, where a subject ear layer isgenerated. The subject ear layer may be generated based on the subjectimage using one or more manual and/or automated steps, including one ormore image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics. Thesubject ear layer may include at least a portion of one or both ears.

Processing continues to optional step 1110, where a subject hair layeris generated. The subject hair layer may be generated based on thesubject image using one or more manual and/or automated steps, includingone or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics.

Processing continues to optional step 1112, where an estimated headorientation of the subject is determined. The estimated head orientationmay be determined based on an inter-pupillary distance of the subject inthe subject image.

Processing continues to step 1114, where a simulated image of thesubject wearing an ear accessory is rendered. The simulated image isrendered by registering the subject background layer, at least onebackground portion of an accessory image, the ear layer, and at leastone foreground portion of an accessory image, and optionally the hairlayer. The accessory image may be selected based on the estimated headposition. In one or more embodiments, the layers are scaled andtranslated to align at a piercing location in the subject image with anaccessory piercing point. The accessory images and mattes may be rotatedabout the accessory piercing point to place the simulated accessory inthe desired location, orientation and scale relative to the subject.

In one or more embodiments, one accessory image is selected for eachear. Alternatively, a single accessory image may be used for both ears.When a single accessory image is used, a mirror image of the accessoryimage may be used to simulate a matching accessory for an opposite ear.An accessory background matte is used to determine the at least onebackground portion of the accessory image. An accessory foreground matteis used to determine the at least one foreground portion of theaccessory image. In one or more embodiments, two matching earaccessories are simulated.

Processing continues to step 1116, where process 1100 terminates.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method for capturingaccessory images in accordance with systems and methods for simulatingaccessory display on a subject. Process 1200 begins at step 1202.

Processing continues to step 1204, where a subject image of a subject isobtained. The subject image includes at least one ear of the subject. Inone or more embodiments, the subject image is a professionallyphotographed image of a model.

Processing continues to step 1206, where at least one ear accessoryimage is obtained. In one or more embodiments, one accessory image isselected for each ear. Alternatively, a single accessory image may beused for both ears. When a single accessory image is used, a mirrorimage of the accessory image may be used to simulate a matchingaccessory for an opposite ear.

Processing continues to step 1208, where at least one accessoryforeground matte is obtained. The at least one accessory foregroundmatte corresponds to the at least one ear accessory image.

Processing continues to step 1210, where at least one accessorybackground matte is obtained. The at least one accessory backgroundmatte corresponds to the at least one ear accessory image.

Processing continues to step 1212, where a subject background layer isgenerated. The subject background layer may be generated based on thesubject image using one or more manual and/or automated steps, includingone or more image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics.

Processing continues to step 1212, where a subject ear layer isgenerated. The subject ear layer may be generated based on the subjectimage using one or more manual and/or automated steps, including one ormore image processing techniques, algorithms and/or heuristics. Thesubject ear layer may include at least a portion of one or both ears.

Processing continues to step 1214, where a simulated image of thesubject wearing at least one accessory is rendered. The simulated imageis rendered by registering the subject background layer, at least onebackground portion of an accessory image, the ear layer, and at leastone foreground portion of an accessory image. The accessory backgroundmatte is used to determine the at least one background portion of theaccessory image. The accessory foreground matte is used to determine theat least one foreground portion of the accessory image.

Processing continues to optional step 1216, where the simulated image ofthe subject wearing the accessory is displayed in association withmarketing material for the accessory. In one or more embodiments, theaccessory image, accessory matte image and all mattes and images derivedtherefrom may be scaled and translated to align a piercing location inthe subject image with an accessory piercing point associated with theaccessory. The accessory images and mattes may be rotated about theaccessory piercing point to place the simulated accessory in the desiredlocation, orientation and scale relative to the subject.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means ofspecific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for simulating accessory display on asubject comprising the steps of: coupling an accessory with a mountcomprising at least one contact portion configured to contact saidaccessory; positioning said mount in at least one orientation withrespect to an imaging device; capturing at least one accessory image ofsaid accessory coupled with said mount in said at least one orientationusing said imaging device; capturing at least one accessory matte imageof said accessory coupled with said mount in said at least oneorientation using said imaging device; generating at least one accessoryforeground matte for said at least one accessory; and generating atleast one accessory background matte for said at least one accessory. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein said mount comprises at least onetransparent portion.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said accessory isselected from a piercing accessory, a shoulder accessory, an armaccessory, a neck accessory, a foot accessory, a wrist accessory and afinger accessory.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said accessory is anear accessory.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said mount furthercomprises a dampening device configured to reduce a sway movement of ahanging part of said ear accessory.
 6. The method of claim 4, whereinsaid mount is coupled with at least one reference marker positioned inview of said imaging device.
 7. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising the step of rotating said mount around an axis from a firstorientation to a second orientation, wherein said first orientation andsaid second orientation are selected from said at least one orientation.8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: coupling a relatedaccessory with said mount, wherein said related accessory is associatedwith said accessory; positioning said mount in at least one secondaccessory orientation, wherein said at least one related accessoryorientation is determined based on a relationship between said accessoryand said related accessory; capturing at least one related accessoryimage of said related accessory coupled with said mount in said at leastone related accessory orientation; generating at least one relatedaccessory foreground matte for said at least one related accessory; andgenerating a related accessory background matte for said at least oneaccessory image.
 9. The method of claim 4, wherein said firstorientation and said second orientation are associated with a left earaccessory image and a right ear accessory image, wherein said at leastone accessory image comprises said left ear accessory image and a rightear accessory image.
 10. The method of claim 4, wherein generating saidat least one accessory foreground matte comprises modifying a mattegenerated using at least one digital image processing technique.
 11. Themethod of claim 4, wherein generating said accessory background mattecomprises modifying a matte generated using at least one digital imageprocessing technique.
 12. The method of claim 4, further comprising thesteps of: coupling a matching ear accessory with a model mountcomprising a model of an ear; positioning said model mount in said atleast one orientation; and capturing at least one reference image ofsaid matching ear accessory coupled with said model mount in said atleast one orientation.
 13. The method of claim 13, wherein said at leastone reference image is used to modify said at least one accessoryforeground matte and said at least one accessory background matte. 14.The method of claim 4, wherein capturing said at least one accessoryimage further comprises using a diffuse light source.
 15. The method ofclaim 4, wherein capturing said at least one accessory image furthercomprises using a backlight source.
 16. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising the steps of: obtaining a subject image of a subjectcomprising at least one ear region of said subject; generating a subjectbackground layer based on said subject image; generating an ear layerbased on said subject image; rendering a simulated image of said subjectwearing said accessory by layering said subject background layer, atleast one background portion of said at least one ear accessory image,said ear layer, and at least one foreground portion of said at least oneear accessory image using said at least one accessory foreground matteand said at least one accessory background matte.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising the step of: generating a hair layer basedon said subject image, wherein rendering said simulated image furthercomprises layering said hair layer.
 18. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising the step of determining an estimated head position, whereinaccessory image selection from said at least one accessory image andmatte selection from said at least one accessory foreground matte andsaid at least one accessory background matte are based on said estimatedhead position.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof: obtaining a subject image of a subject comprising at least oneaccessory region of said subject; generating a subject background layerbased on said subject image, wherein said subject background layer isconfigured to appear behind an accessory background; generating asubject foreground layer based on said subject image, wherein saidsubject foreground layer is configured to appear in front of anaccessory background and behind an accessory foreground; rendering asimulated image of said subject wearing said accessory by layering saidsubject background layer, at least one background portion of said atleast one ear accessory image, said ear layer, and at least oneforeground portion of said at least one ear accessory image using saidat least one accessory foreground matte and said at least one accessorybackground matte.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising thestep of determining at least one accessory scaling factor based at leastone reference marker in said at least one target accessory image and atleast one interpupillary distance of said subject in said subject image.21. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of displayingsaid simulated image in association with marketing material for saidaccessory.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein said subject imagecomprises a professionally photographed image of a model.
 23. Acomputer-readable medium comprising computer-readable instructions forsimulating accessory display on a subject, wherein execution of saidcomputer-readable instructions by one or more processors causes said oneor more processors to carry out steps comprising: obtaining at least onesubject image of a subject comprising at least one ear region of saidsubject; obtaining at least one ear accessory image of said earaccessory mounted on a mount; obtaining at least one accessoryforeground matte for said at least one ear accessory image, wherein saidat least one accessory foreground matte is generated based on said atleast one ear accessory image; obtaining at least one accessorybackground matte for said at least one ear accessory image; andgenerating a subject background layer based on said subject image;generating an ear layer based on said subject image; rendering asimulated image of said subject wearing said accessory by layering saidsubject background layer, at least one background portion of said atleast one ear accessory image, said ear layer, and at least oneforeground portion of said at least one ear accessory image using saidat least one accessory foreground matte and said at least one accessorybackground matte.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein said at least onesubject image comprises at least one professionally photographed imageof a model.
 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step ofdisplaying said at least one simulated image in association withmarketing material for said ear accessory.